Taco Squares
Taco Squares offer a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, featuring seasoned ground beef layered over a flaky crescent crust and topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, they combine savory, cheesy, and crunchy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onions in a skillet; drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in taco seasoning mix, refried beans, and tomato sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Unroll the crescent dough into 4 long rectangles.
- Place the dough in an ungreased 15 x 10-inch jellyroll pan.
- Press the dough over the bottom and 1 inch up the sides to form a crust.
- Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the hot crust.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Cut into squares and serve topped with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, taco sauce, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or black beans. You can also use pre-cooked chicken for added convenience. Ensure to drain excess moisture from canned ingredients to prevent a soggy crust. If you prefer spicier flavors, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. This dish pairs beautifully with Johnny Cash'S Chili Con Queso for an extra cheesy touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the taco squares warm, topped with fresh chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream for a refreshing contrast. These squares also pair well with a side of Mexi-Rice Supper or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squares in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short increments, being careful not to overheat, which can make the crust tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Squares contains roughly 686 calories, with 38g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (75% of the Daily Value), calcium (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2056mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make taco squares ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and crust in advance. Assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I use instead of crescent rolls?
If you don’t have crescent rolls, you can use puff pastry or biscuit dough as a substitute. Both will provide a flaky texture, but make sure to adjust the baking time according to the package instructions for the alternative dough.
Can I freeze taco squares?
Yes, taco squares can be frozen. Once baked and cooled, cut them into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).